Newcomers looking at Graduates.: I was thinking... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Newcomers looking at Graduates.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate
14 Replies

I was thinking about this today. I was replying to a few posts and realised that I mention things that I do and never really mention the “old” me.

For those that are starting out maybe that is the person you want to hear about sometimes. As it can be a bit intimidating listening to all us graduates that seem to have it all sorted. 😀.

*News Flash*. We don’t and we haven’t always been the way we are.

The old Realfoodieclub

Drank much more than 14 units a week, much much much more!

Smoked twenty a day, when going out I could smoke 20 in one night.

Comfort ate, I love puff pastry. Soooooo much, had massive portions of food and had no idea about 5 a day.

I was 20 lb heavier.

I Did exercise a little but was diagnosed with CFS/ME for 7 years and that floored me, I was depressed and had no energy so spent a lot of my time on the sofa. Sometimes I was so bad I had trouble getting up and finding the energy to go to the kitchen.

We now know I was subclinical Hyperthyroid and my life started to change after that got treated. A new life started to emerge.

Now I cross-train with

Running

Race walking

Gym

Hiking

Swimming

I have a healthy BMI ( that took a couple of years to get too)

I run twice a week and I love Half Marathons. My favourite is the Hackney Half in May. I start training for that in November so I have a good lead up to it.

So as you can see I started off from a difficult place but I have been running for five years now and my life is completely different to what it used to be.

So Let’s share the warts and all, I think it helps new runners.

Happy running

Rfc x

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Realfoodieclub profile image
Realfoodieclub
Graduate
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14 Replies
MDaw35 profile image
MDaw35Graduate

Wow I love this! What a journey and what an inspiration you are :-)

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to MDaw35

Thank you for your kind words 😀

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

This c25k plan has made such a difference to many of us RFC including me.

Three years ago I used to do a Rosemary Conley class and although I played around at ths gym sometimes, I would avoid the treadmill and just used to walk on it. I couldn't do running. Not even for a minute. At age 55 I felt like that boat had sailed. I didn't even do the star jumps in class as I ran out of puff. The class instructor mentioned c25k in class, which is what made me look it up.

I was doing agility classes with my dog, where you need to run to keep up, and I would get so completely out of breath and needing the loo it was embarrassing.😶

Starting the program was a revelation... Laura's friendly voice talking me through those first runs, and the immense feeling of achievement I felt after completing a session was enough to get me hooked. I started peeking on this forum when I got to Week 5, and reading how others tackled these runs was so helpful. My first post was at around Wk 8, I knew I would finish the program and had heard about the badge 😆...

Once I had started posting, and feeling part of this wonderful running family, it helped so much to keep me motivated and to be able to share my progression to 5k and beyond. I would post after every run and loved reading everyone's reports and sharing things that cropped up. (Toxic ten)

I know that because I am running regularly I am keeping my weight steady and don't need to 'diet' like I used to, I still have wine and cake sometimes but tend to make healthier choices much of the time.

I still find it amazing that I can run, this program really works. Enjoy your journeys!

Happy running 😊xx

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

I am the same with the food aspect of running. It is amazing how it gets us hooked and I agree about having a great place to share our journeys. Look at how far you have come from those early days. Happy running to you too 😀 Rfc xxx.

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate in reply to Realfoodieclub

Inspiration for me came from you and the kindness of other Graduates while I was doing the program. So much encouragement and experience to be found on here then...and it continues.xx

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate

You are an inspiration Rfc ..... thank you for sharing your story.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to skysue16

Thank you 😀 Rfc x

I love this, what an amazing journey.

I too have a really unhealthy background, 7 years ago I was morbidly obese,(my profile photo shows my before & now) blood tests showed I was borderline diabetic, I had severe back pain, couldn’t walk more than a few feet without getting out of breath. We booked a holiday and I was petrified that the seat belt wouldn’t fit so I joined weight watchers hoping to lose enough before my holiday, fast forward 15 months and I’d list almost 8 stone.

I’m now at a healthy weight and bmi, I resistance train twice a week and along with my outdoor jogging I do cardio 3 times a week. I’m no longer borderline diabetic, my back pain has gone and I am now a much healthier confident person.

I’m not a graduate yet, im w6r2, but it’s fab seeing people’s journeys.

in reply to Michellethegooner

Wow! Your before and after pic is incredible! You’re an inspiration, well done you!

Michellethegooner profile image
Michellethegooner in reply to

Thank you, it’s been an incredible journey one im so proud I started, and I know I’ll never let myself get to that stage again x

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Michellethegooner

Wow you have done really well. Inspirational, Such a transformation. Roll on graduation, not long no now 😀.

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate in reply to Michellethegooner

You are amazing Michelle, what a wonderful story! You must have incredible determination and willpower 😀👍

Oldlady57 profile image
Oldlady57

Touching & inspiring journey Rfc. I’m full of admiration 👍🏻

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate in reply to Oldlady57

Thank you 😀. Rfc x.

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